March
2014
Unleash Me with border

FREE Off-leash Park Permits 
How Do I Get One?

As an added reward this year for our volunteers who complete the Governor's 50 hour Challenge, we will be giving away FREE off-leash park permits to a certain percentage of people completing the challenge! Spring is just around the corner and we have lots of opportunities to help you reach 50 hours. Please check our website, email Jill or Marie, or call Marie at 319-560-1673 to find out where we need your help to get you on your way to enjoying a whole year free at both area off-leash parks!  

Don't Forget Your Bling!

With warmer days just around the corner (fingers crossed!), your dogs will be itching to head to the off-leash parks; but don't forget, it's a new year and all dogs need new tags to use the park. For dogs that have passed K9COLA's recall test (see articles below) and are spayed/neutered or live in multiple dog households, the cost is only $17! Fill out your application today and take it to Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control's new location on the Kirkwood campus. Don't forget to bring proof of spay/neuter, vaccinations, and your recall certificate.

Animal Care & Control
900 76th Ave Dr SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours:
Monday-Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Save the Dates

SAPADAPASO Parade Monday March 17

K9COLA will once again participate as a "float" in SAPADAPASO, the traditional Cedar Rapids Saint Patrick's Day parade held every year regardless of weather conditions. We will be walking with our dogs as "Dogs Gone Green!"

The parade takes place on Monday, March 17th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. We are entry #4 and will meet at our usual location, staging area "A," which is on 4th Ave. SE close to 6th St. SE.

Please dress up your dogs if you like! If you bring your dogs, remember to bring some bags to clean up after them. 

Come join us for this fun annual event. All are welcome. The more the merrier!


For the latest information, see our Facebook
page.
 
SPECIAL EVENT MAY 31

  

The main yard at Cheyenne is scheduled to be closed on May 31 for a special event. Watch for more details!
 
K9Splash! 2014 Dates Set

Dates are set for K9Splash! 2014 (our annual dog swim event): August 16th and 17th at Bever Park Pool. If you are interested in helping to plan this year's event email Marie. 

If Your Dog Comes
When It's Called ...
... You Can Save $$$!

The basic idea behind recall testing is that your dog comes when it's called. Why do we give discounts for good recalls? Safety. If an unpleasant incident happens at the dog park, owners calling their dogs limit the number of dogs involved in the incident and its "energy level."

On testing day you will need to check in at the table in the main yard. Tell them your name and your dog's name. The volunteer will give you a number and let you know how far down you are on the list. When the tester calls your number, let her know who you are and describe which dog is yours. When she sees the dog is sufficiently distracted, she will instruct you to call your dog. If your dog comes you pass.

Unlike with a Canine Good Citizen Test or an Obedience Trial, you are allowed to call your dog multiple times (if needed). Although people can practice this skill by rewarding the dog with treats/toys, you aren't allowed to use any on the day of the test. This test takes place off-leash in the main yard. Make sure to double check at which park it will be held.

Worried that your dog won't get far enough away to pass? Never fear: we have volunteers that can help lead your dog away from your side so you'll get a chance to call it back to you.

Still have questions about the test or how it works? Email info@k9cola.org. See the next article for dates and locations. Please let us know if you plan to attend on one of these dates. That way, if we have a last minute weather-related cancellation, we can contact you.

 


Recall Tests
Here's Where You Go To Be Safe & Save $$$

2014 Recall Testing:
Saturday, March 22, 12:30 p.m. @ Cheyenne (tentative depending on weather -- please watch for updates!)
Saturday, April 19, 12:30 p.m. @ K9 Acres
Saturday, May 17, 12:30 p.m. @ Cheyenne
Saturday, June 14, 10:00 a.m. @ K9 Acres      
Sunday, September 7, 2:00 p.m. @ Cheyenne
One more possible date at K9 Acres TBD

We are done when all testing for that day is complete so please be there at the start time.

Trash Talk
Help Keep Our Parks Clean

It's time to volunteer! The weather will be warmer in March and April, so this would be a great reason to get out to the park with your dog! We need help at K9 Acres April 5th, 19th and 26th, and at Cheyenne March 22nd, April 5th and 19th. Please email JillThank you!


Treats for Farmers Market
 
Start baking and crafting for our upcoming Farmers' Market season. All treats should have the ingredients listed on their packages, and should include an "expiration" date (usually this is one week after making or thawing--so if you are baking now remember to freeze them!

Here's a good recipe--or try your own! Please contact Marie with questions.

Banana Mutt cookies
1 1/2 c. mashed ripe bananas (about 2 1/2 bananas)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. oats
1/2 c. chopped peanuts
1/4 c. applesauce

 

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly. Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Press flat with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container. Makes about 20 cookies.
Contact
K9COLA
P.O. Box 992
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0992
email: info@k9cola.org
website: http://k9ola.org

 
 

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A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.

Josh Billings